Throughout the 2023-2024 academic year, the IDEAS team had the privilege of facilitating knowledge exchange meetings for an exceptional group of innovative instructors at UMass Amherst. 12 fellows shared innovative teaching practices and technology applications used in their classrooms. We concluded the second year of the Instructional Innovation Fellowship in May 2024. In this article, we want to take a moment to reflect on this year’s IIF presentations. Here is a summary of the innovative teaching methods shared among the group.
Select a section title below to learn more about what the fellows have presented.

College of Education
Promoting inclusive education ensures that all students, regardless of their backgrounds and experiences, feel valued and supported in their learning journey. Let's see how some educators are championing this cause. Some fellows presented their strategies to promote inclusion in their classrooms.
Allie Wolf focused on trauma-informed writing practices, and her work started with the syllabus. She showed how language in the syllabus can foster a more empathetic classroom environment.
“Sometimes, it's about articulating the unspoken policies clearly, building trust by setting clear policies, facilitating collaboration by engaging students in the process and giving choices by empowering students with options.” – Allie Wolf.
Another fellow, Ali Soken, was also dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student feels a sense of belonging. He employed various techniques, such as low-stakes writing activities that serve as a bridge for students with diverse backgrounds and learning preferences and introduced the concept of diversity, equity, and inclusion in an engaging and thought-provoking manner.
Lisa Lehmberg introduced the Human Library project where people become “books” that others can “read” through conversations. This initiative promotes empathy and understanding by allowing students to share their unique stories and experiences and fostering a more inclusive and connected community

Chemical Engineering
Incorporating games and technology in the classroom can significantly enhance student engagement and make learning more enjoyable. Here are some innovative approaches by IIF fellows:
Dandan Xu integrated gamification into her engineering courses inspired by the fast-paced, high-stakes environment of 'Shark Tank' to make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. The competitive yet fun atmosphere, complemented by peer learning, has been both "engaging" and "fun". Dhiroj Koirala applied gamification techniques using Excel, turning data analysis into interactive and enjoyable activities. This approach helps students develop their analytical skills in a fun and engaging way.
Bjorn Nordtveit used Mentimeter, an interactive presentation tool, to increase student engagement during lectures. This tool allows students to participate in real-time polls, quizzes, and discussions, making the learning experience more dynamic and interactive. Allie Wolf used Padlet, a collaborative online board, to enhance student interaction and collaboration. This tool allows students to share ideas, feedback, and resources in real time, making the learning process more interactive and inclusive. Matt Whitlock leveraged course wikis to enhance student collaboration and engagement. In this approach, students can contribute to a shared knowledge base, encouraging active learning.
Fig Lefevre taught storytelling using Twinery, a tool for creating interactive narratives. This approach improves students' writing skills and engages them in creating compelling, interactive stories. Similarly, Kelly Klingler incorporated ArcGIS StoryMaps, a digital storytelling tool that allows students to create and share their own stories.

College of Natural Sciences
Empowering students involves giving them the tools and opportunities to take control of their learning. Here are some ways fellows are empowering their students:
Kelly Klingler integrates CUREs (Course-based Undergraduate Research Experiences) into her curriculum, providing students with hands-on research experiences. This approach allows undergraduate students to have more research experience. Inspired by popular science videos on YouTube, Dandan Xu encouraged students to create their own videos to explain scientific concepts to the general public. This method reinforces their understanding and develops their communication and technical skills. Lisa Lehmberg empowered her students by offering them choices in their learning activities through Digital Choice Boards, Digital Hyperdocs, and “Chart Your Own Adventure” Mini-projects. These approaches increase student motivation and engagement by allowing them to pursue topics and projects that interest them.

Artificial intelligence can be a powerful educational tool, offering creative ways to enhance learning and teaching. However, relying too much on the tool can harm productive thinking. Some fellows are leveraging AI and understanding its pitfalls.
Leah Barber designed “AI Anti-draft” - a strategy to demonstrate the limitations of AI in producing high-quality, analytical writing. She also used Google Translate in her poetry and prose workshops to push students out of their linguistic comfort zones and to explore new creative dimensions without the necessity of fluency in another language. Dhiroj Koirala utilized ChatGPT to create realistic economic simulations for his students. This approach allows students to practice real-world scenarios in a safe and controlled environment, enhancing their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Undergraduate Public Health Sciences
Program, School of Public Health
One important theme from this year’s IIF is the focus on teacher’s professional development and well-being. Empowering teachers is crucial for creating a positive and effective learning environment. Here are some ways IIF fellows are supporting their peers:
Sofija Zagarins presented strategies to streamline teachers' work by maximizing LMS Canvas features and Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles and using low-stakes assignments. With the rise of remote learning and virtual meetings, Greeley Kyle addressed an often-overlooked aspect of professional communication: Zoom etiquette, emphasizing that how teachers and students present themselves in online environments is as crucial as their physical presence.
Fig Lefevre emphasized the importance of active listening in academic settings. In this approach, Fig created a more respectful and supportive learning environment by teaching and modelling effective listening skills. Matt Whitlock implemented an additive grading scheme, which focuses on rewarding students for their progress and achievements rather than penalizing them for mistakes. This approach encourages a growth mindset and motivates students to continue improving.
Bjorn Nordtveit created his own instructional videos, making complex topics more understandable for students. His videos also provided a personal touch, helping students feel more connected to their learning. Ali Soken acknowledged the emotional labor involved in teaching and provided strategies for managing it. By addressing this often-overlooked aspect of teaching, he supports his peers in maintaining their well-being and effectiveness as educators.
In its second year, the IIF has united innovative UMass instructors and fostered a community where they can share knowledge and classroom experiences. This learning community demonstrates that educators are committed to improving their teaching practices continuously. Providing a collaborative space like the IIF helps UMass instructors exchange ideas and support one another, something we need in a world where things seem to be connecting but not connected.
To learn more about all the projects and presentations highlighted here, check out our list of blog posts on IIF 2023-2024 presentations!